Computer 6

Topic: Categories of
Computer
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device which receives
data as input, processes it with the help of the
Central Processing Unit (CPU) and display the
output back to the user in the required format.
• Computers are also used for computing and storage
of data.
5 Categories of Computers by Size
1. Mobile Computers or Devices – are the smallest
computer available in the market.
This includes Laptops, Netbooks, Tablets, E-book readers,
Smartphones and Android phones.

a. Laptop – computer often called Notebook, is a

small and portable personal computer which can be
easily carried around by users. It has touchpad instead
of a mouse.
b. Netbook – smaller than laptop. It is light-weight,
energy efficient form of laptop, especially suited for
wireless communication and internet access.
Generally doesn’t have CD/DVD drive in them

c. Tablet- a wireless, portable personal computer with

a touchscreen interface. It come without keyboard
and mouse. It is generally smaller than notebook
computers, but larger than smartphones.
d. E-book Reader- is designed primarily for the
purpose of reading digital e-books and
periodicals(newsprints). Examples are Amazon’s
Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook and Apple’s Ipad.

e. Smartphones- a handheld device used for making

and receiving calls and messages. They have many
features like computers such as, internet access,
gaming, camera, media player and many more.
f. Personal Digital Assistance(PDAs) also known as
Palmtop computer. This handheld computers
generally used for managing personal information
like maintaining schedules, keeping names and
phone numbers, doing simple calculation and taking
notes. With the help of modem, you can exchange
emails and get information in the internet.
g. Portable Media Players(PMPs)- are handheld
devices used for playing digital media such audio and
video files.
2. Microcomputers(Desktop) – is a small and
relatively inexpensive computer having
microprocessor as the Central Processing Unit (CPU),
storage memory and minimal input and output circuit
mounted on a single motherboard.
Some main features:
• Low cost and smaller in size
• Easy to handle and use
• Low computational power
• Uses for personal applications
3. Minicomputers – are larger in size and more
powerful than microcomputer. They may contain one
or more processor and having higher storage capacity.

These computer are also called “mid-range

computers” as they can operate mid-range
businesses and scientific applications.
They support multiple users at a time.
4. Mainframe Computers – a high-performance computer
used for large scale-machines.
It is commonly known as “big iron”.
They are more powerful, faster, bigger and expensive.
They are used by large organisations for huge data
processing like census, costumer statistics, and transaction
processing.
4. Mainframe Computers – a high-performance computer used for
large scale-machines.
It is commonly known as “big iron”.
They are more powerful, faster, bigger and expensive.
They are used by large organisations for huge data processing like
census, costumer statistics, and transaction processing.
Some features:
• Large processing power
• Reliability at server end
• Availability and
serviceability
• Compatible with other
devices
5. Super Computers- special form of mainframe computers with a
large number of servers, hardware components and storage
capacity. They are the most powerful, biggest and expensive
computers till date.
Use in weather forecasting, oil and gas exploration, robot designs,
airplane and spacecraft aerodynamics and so on.